Enhancing Services for LGBTQ+ Newcomer Clients – Course Deadline

Switchboard is pleased to announce a free online certificate course, Enhancing Services for LGBTQ+ Newcomer Clients, which will meet in four 90-minute sessions every Wednesday from June 26 to July 17, 2024. Moreover, this course is among the first National Association of Social Workers-accredited Switchboard courses! Upon successful completion of the course requirements, you will earn 6 continuing education units/credits that can be applied to your professional licensure. 

 Wednesdays, June 26, July 3, July 10, and July 17 from 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET 

What will this certificate course cover? 

This course is designed to build and improve the skills of service providers working with LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or otherwise identifying within the queer community) ORR-eligible clients, who often encounter many complex challenges throughout their resettlement or migration journeys. This course will equip service providers to become effective allies in practice, enhancing their cultural sensitivity and ability to provide trauma-informed care. The course will also delve into specific strategies for vulnerable sub-groups, including LGBTQ+ youth and those seeking gender-affirming care. Participants will have the opportunity to practice applying their skills through hands-on engagement with real-life case scenarios. 

Is this certificate course for me? 

This course is geared toward enhancing the expertise of caseworkers and service providers in serving LGBTQ+ clients. No prior experience of working with LGBTQ+ clients is required. We strongly recommend that applicants register for the Switchboard webinar Understanding and Serving LGBTQ+ Refugees and Newcomers on Thursday, May 30, from  2:00 – 3:30 PM ET, and/or for selected participants to watch the recording before the start of the course. 

Why should I participate? 

Upon completing this course, learners will be able to:    

Explain topics relevant to serving LGBTQ+ clients, including key terminology and principles of allyship and inclusivity 

Describe the landscape impacting LGBTQ+ individuals in various states or regions and the social implications of LGTBQ+ identities in the context of newcomers’ home countries or primary cultures  

Analyze how factors like race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, and LGBTQ+ identity intersect at a micro level, generating deeper insights into the experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ individuals  

Apply practical skills in serving LGBTQ+ clients   

Eligibility: The course is open to 50 caseworkers and other service providers who directly serve ORR-eligible populations, including at state agencies, resettlement agencies and affiliates, and ethnic community-based organizations. Applicants are expected to seek full support for course participation from their supervisor or director prior to applying.  

Format: This instructor-led course is designed for individuals; however, multiple staff from the same organization are welcome to apply. With a combination of four synchronous Zoom sessions and independent activity, the total time commitment will be approximately 10 hours over four weeks from June 26 to July 17, 2024. The synchronous sessions will not be recorded in order to provide all learners with maximum comfort and interactivity. 

Course Schedule—synchronous Zoom sessions will be held once a week on Wednesdays:  

Wednesday, June 26, 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET  

Wednesday, July 3, 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET  

Wednesday, July 10, 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET  

Wednesday, July 17, 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET  

Commitment to attend all four synchronous sessions is required.    

Attendance and active participation are expected of accepted learners, including participation in breakout activities and discussions, as well as written dialogue exchanges with fellow learners and the course instructors in the course’s online portal.  

Independent activity includes pre-readings, reflections, discussions, and assignments, accessible within the online course player, estimated at one hour weekly. 

Optional virtual office hours will be offered to course participants.  

Submit your application by Thursday, June 6, and set a tentative hold on your calendar. Accepted learners will be notified by Wednesday, June 12.